Gwendolyn Kay "Kena" Arthur, 70 of Ralls, Texas, passed away on August 11, 2025. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, lifelong educator, and friend.
Kena was born and raised on her family cotton farm outside Ralls. She graduated from Ralls High School in 1973 and first attended South Plains College where she played on the inaugural women's basketball team. Kena then went on to graduate from West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University) in 1977 where she was a member of Delta Psi Kappa, a women's physical education organization.
Kena dedicated her life to teaching and coaching, educating countless students during her career in schools across the South Plains, including Bovina, Ralls, and Littlefield. She was a member of both state and local teachers' associations. Known for her dedication to primary education, she retired from teaching in 2012 and returned home to Ralls.
An animal lover at heart, Kena cared deeply for her beloved cats and dogs. She loved attending her nieces and nephews sporting events and could always be heard in the stands, ringing her cowbell in excited support.
Kena is preceded by in death by her parents, Uel and Dorothy Arthur; and her brother, Lonnie Arthur.
She is survived by her brother and sister-in law, Lloyd and Angela Arthur of Ralls; and her beloved nephews and nieces: David, Brady, MaKayla, and Jadeyn.
In lieu of flowers, the family request the donations be made in Kena's name to the Ralls Methodist Church or the Animal Rescue of Crosby County.
Kena's life was celebrated with a graveside service at the Ralls Cemetery on Saturday, August 16, 2025